Author: Mireille & Ǣon

We are happy residents of Second Life® and together own Ce Soir Arts, an arts venue space. We are engaged in the arts in both worlds - along with being wonderfully happy traveling about and enjoying the art of life.

Those who know me understand my love of autumn…and of the dark and moody tempo of the season. Not only is autumn gloriously gorgeous in the physical realm, it is also deeply beautiful in our virtual world as well. So many wonderful creators have paid homage to the seasons in their innovative construction of natural elements. Their artistry makes the season come alive with colour in a grand array of tones and tints to rival what we experience in the physical. Brilliant brights sashay about with dark, sombre tones….

All the elements are present, and shade and shadow bring emotion to the fore…as darkness and light play together in a dramatic dance. Dark and gloomy gambol with bright and lush in the enveloping environments we can create for ourselves. Windlight® is part of the picture, but there is so much more we can use in developing a scene, creating a mood, exploring an attitude, experiencing an emotion, soaking in an atmosphere….

I have shared some of my Words & Pictures® in SL™ before, most often at one of our own galleries in Ce Soir Arts. I’ve considered seeking a Linden Endowment for the Arts™ region for expression, but have been so engaged at home with events like The Mad Masquerade ongoing now at Ce Soir, that I have not ventured far. And then…the wonderful Frank Lax and his lovely partner Maria asked me to exhibit at their wonderful gallery space at Maria’s Dream Island. I have known Frank, primarily through connection to our beloved Poet Laureate of Ce Soir ArtsRussell Eponym, for some time. Frank is a fine man whose SL™ endeavours have always been exceptional, and so after chatting with him and Maria, I jumped at the chance to exhibit there.

The gallery is out-of-doors, a beautiful open-air space that offers great opportunity to create an exhibit that expresses the artist’s deepest passions – on many levels. I have always wanted to explore a bit more with erotic art, and I have taken a step in that direction here…albeit a tiny one. As I explained to Frank and Maria – who are very kind and accommodating to artists – this step is an important one, for it has set me on a path of new exploration, which is the artist’s dream…to explore further the depth and breadth of what lies within.

It would please me no end if you were to come see my work at Maria’s. Come explore with me the gathering of themes that have come together in this exhibit. I will post more detail about that as time passes, so we can explore together what I am learning about my art in the wonderful world of SL. The exhibit is open now through November 25…so there is time to linger and go deep within yourself with these themes: Predator / Vampyr Dreams / Nocturne / Après la Mascarade / After the Deluge…and others. I will go deeper still, as I stand on the precipice of so much more…so stay tuned! The Vernissage, which was canceled due to technical issues experienced by all on 28 October, has been postponed until 07 November, but the exhibit is open now. Russell Eponym, who was one of many who could not log in that day, will play for the event at 11 AM SLT on that date. I hope you will join us!

My appreciation to Frank and Maria knows no limit. Do visit their exciting, inviting region. It is an Adult region, where they explore the enticements of “watching and being watched” – and more. It’s a lovely place with areas dedicated to erotic exploration, to music, to art. Go and enjoy…and if you visit my exhibit, please tip them generously for their tireless work. No need to buy any of my pieces, although many are set for sale. And, should you buy and have any questions or needs related to a piece, simply IM me in-world; I will be happy to hear from you. However, please simply visit and enjoy. Let my poetry and pictures touch you in whatever way they might…hear my voice whispering to you of the beauty that rests at the intersection of darkness and light…

Have we got a PARTY for you! The celebrations continue with MAD MASQUERADE BALL Number TWO this Sunday, 28 October. It’s going to be FANGTASTIC, and you are definitely invited to gather at Witchwood Hollow in Ce Soir Arts for outstanding music, dancing, and general partying. After all, we’re celebrating THE MAD MASQUERADE ART EXHIBITS, found all over the region. You’ll enjoy every bit, so do plan to join us!

To get the party started, the delightful DJ STORMY SOMERTON will welcome us with a specially-chosen setlist from her enchanting, edgy and eclectic mix of terrific tunes! Stormy will have us dancing with delight and chatting up a – well, STORM! Her setlists are always spot-on and delivered with an undeniable charm that makes the hour fly by. Join us at Witchwood Hollow at 1 PM SLT to celebrate!

To carry on, we have master musician Joel Eilde coming by with his really cool band RED HEAVEN! These guys know what they are doing – with guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, percussion instruments…and those amazing vocals! If you have somehow missed this Canadian powerhouse of sound, you simply MUST come over at 2 PM SLT! We’ll be ready to greet you and Joel and his bandmates will be ready to ROCK YOUR WORLD!

As HALLOWE‘EN nears, it is time for the FIFTH Annual MAD MASQUERADE BALL #1.

Join us on Thursday, 25 October as RUSSELL EPONYM starts us off with 90 minutes of exceptionally enjoyable music. Dress in your HALLOWE‘EN finery and come to Witchwood Hollow at Ce Soir Arts for a grand time! Russell offers a growing collection of historical folk tales set to music and his own lovely compositions. Lyrically beautiful and musically rich, the Russell Eponym sound invites the listener in. This troubadour has the talent and wisdom that makes for a fantastic show. This time, it’s the beginning of a marvelous evening of ghoulish fun!

After a short break, DONN DEVORE takes the stage at 5 PM. DONN is a professional musician and technician of sound, and his electronic music is out-of-this-world wonderful. It’s like a magic carpet ride across the universe – and it comes complete with background visuals that set off those astounding original tunes perfectly. DONN has an exceptional sense of the time and movement of music, and you don’t want to miss this hour. It’s guaranteed SPOOKTACULAR!

The fun is not over yet! Next, the deeply talented ANJ GUSTAFSON is on board at 6 PM. This multi-instrumental musician and commanding vocalist brings a cool repertoire of classic rock and modern tunes – including a taste of his own outstanding songs. Stellar performances from his extensive repertoire let us dance the night away with Anj! So dress up in your HALLOWE‘EN finery and come for the joy! Ki will be along with her dance HUD to add to the fun!

NUVOLINO steps up at 7 PM to take us on his own musical journey. NUVO is a professional musician from Australia who offers an eclectic blend of original tunes made of smooth sonic magic mixed with an undeniable tempo. You just HAVE to dance when Nuvo is around! Come join for this hour of CHILL us as this ambient musician explores his special sound to delight our ears as we chill and wind down the MAD MASQUERADE BALL #1.

Dress like you mean HALLOWE‘EN for this awesome celebration of all the amazing art that fills the region! Look back a bit for details of what’s in at all the galleries! On Thursday, as the crows fly, we’ll be at Witchwood Hollow in Ce Soir Arts, so come on over! Trick or Treat has never been this good! (PS: YES, there will be a MAD MASQUERADE BALL #2 – on Sunday, 28 October featuring the stunning DJ STORMY SOMERTON and the incredible RED HEAVEN with JOEL EILDE! More on that in just a bit…so stay tuned!)

We are thrilled that things are coming together well for The Mad Masquerade 2018. Musicians are ready for the TWO Mad Masquerade Balls this year (see an earlier posting for more of the exciting details…and return for even more soon!)….

As for the Mad Masquerade Art Exhibit, we could not be happier with the way these marvellous artists have captured the theme…and have run with it! There will be much more information about the exhibit and these exceptional artists, but for now, we provide a listing of those participating and making The Mad Masquerade 2018 so spooktacular! The art will be on exhibit through 22 November, so do come round and take your time enjoying all they have to offer.

At Côte de la Mer Galerie is the centrepiece of the exhibit. A moving and important artwork by Ricco Saens is highlighted. More information will be posted soon, so do look for it, but you can gather what you need to know now by visiting his wonderful BLOG. Look back too, if you’ve not visited before, as Ricco provides some thoughtful insights on life in SL™. You don’t want to miss his photography either…so hop on over. You will be moved by his latest posting regarding this amazing work: Your anger, your facism.

Also at Côte de la Mer Galerie, and offering some beautiful dark art for your enjoyment: Zack Elliott with deeply moving emotional pieces, Owen Landar with stunning works from the spooky season, Isabel Hermano with some of her outstanding iPhonography pieces, and one by me (Mireille) that is a poem I wrote in response to a gorgeous piece that Secret Rage shared with us several years ago. It is a tender piece for me, personally, and I am honoured to share it – especially this time, given the art by Ricco.

At Ivy Tower, those incredible Monsters from Silas Merlin once again add to the fright-night theme. Check the notecard for information on how you might own these ghoulish sculptures. Xanthe Firehawk has increased the number of her outstanding fantasy works from the eerie dark side, and Michael Romani has provided a series of eight horror works that will set your hair on fire. I’ve added a compilation of more scary works by Secret Rage, and Larke Longmeadow offers us a softer view of the fearful season with two lovely pieces.

At Misty Glen Gallery, you will find an array of art that will spark your fears as well. Scotland’s CybeleMoon has graced us with two beautiful, misty works and Isabel Hermano offers us two more spooky pieces to enjoy. Relatively new artist Viktor Savior has three colourful nature pieces that evoke mystery, and the wonderful Mathilde Vhargon returns with two of her striking modern pieces to give us a delightful jolt. Our old friend Liam Saxony, no longer in SL™ but definitely not forgotten has two of his spiritually moving pieces up (not for sale) and I (Mireille) have placed two of my personal favourites to share.

Don’t forget about the sculptural 3D art that is sprinkled about the place (see an earlier post about something wonderful from Kicca Igaly!). Kicca, nessuno Myoo, Terra Merhyem, and Silas Merlin have spooky wonders in store!

Do plan to come round – all will be open tomorrow – if not late tonight! Read back for some other details, and – as always – more information coming soon! MAIN LANDING has all the LMs….

The Mad Masquerade 2018 has begun! With a few technical glitches besetting us, we will be fully open with outstanding exhibits in all galleries on Monday, 22 October. These things happen in our virtual world, and we roll with it all!

Note the kiosks at each location with a notecard and LMs to all the galleries – and do enjoy the additional 3D art you will see around the region. For example, Kicca Igaly and nessuno Myoo have given us two magnificent works (the one below created by Kicca) to enjoy at Witchwood Hollow! Look for the work by nessuno to be posted soon as well.

Signs are out at the galleries, and notices will go out as soon as things are ready, and all will be well for a fantastic event!

Just a quick note today. The Mad Masquerade 2018 is indeed near! Outstanding art exhibits will open at all three galleries, late day on 20 October. We have a wonderful array of artists, all looking at the spooky, the frightful, and a whole lot more! Look for a post soon outlining everything – and everyone! Until then, get ready for something very special….

The readings that will be scheduled throughout the event will be presented by exceptional spoken word artists. Included are RUSSELL EPONYM (Poet Laureate of Ce Soir Arts), CALEDONIA SKYTOWER (of Seanchai Library and more), Master Storyteller BRYN TALEWEAVER, author and spinner of tales fantastic DUBHNA RHIADRA, sci-fi aficionado and English lit professor ǢON WOODFORD, and meeee (MIREILLE)! You won’t believe the fright-night tales that await you in some of the spookiest surroundings imaginable.

Of course, on THURSDAY, 25 October we will enjoy The Mad Masquerade Ball! It’s one of two this year, and on that Thursday, RUSSELL EPONYM plays at 2 PM with his signature folk, blues & beyond – at Witchwood Hollow here at Ce Soir Arts! Dress in costume as you wish and come enjoy this SPOOKTACULAR EVENT!

Then, return at 5 PM SLT for a stellar hour with DONN DEVORE, master of cutting-edge electronica. He comes with a unique and outstanding repertoire including several instruments and a commanding voice and a spectacular backdrop with particles, driven by MINTY MAGIC! It’s quite an experience!

At 6 PM, the multi-faceted ANJ GUSTAFSON will step in with his incredible setlist – all set off perfectly by dancing, courtesy professional SL dancer KIRAN SPORG. ANJ will ROCK the hollow and nearby cemetery. Hmmm…I wonder whom he might awaken with his awesome sounds!

Following ANJ, Aussie trance-master NUVOLINO will call us into the Old Abandoned Church for a very special hour of his original made-for-dancing music…and drama! It’s over-the-top, and a whole lot of spooky FUN! Just you wait, friends! MUAHAHAHAHA!

ALL THE ABOVE is just for The Mad Masquerade Ball Number One! Yes, there’s another one…on 28 October, starting at 1 PM SLT with the sparkling and edgy DJ par excellence STORMY SOMERTON! She is queen of special shows, and an hour with her is more than enjoyable…well, you just come and see for yourself!

After that exceptional hour, we have the return of the amazing (and I mean ah-MAZ-ing!) RED HEAVEN with Joel Eilde! This Canadian rocker goes way beyond where you might expect…and it’s always a fantastic ride! There just isn’t anything else like Joel and his band. The lovely BonBon will be here too, so do not miss this!!!!

More information – and photos – coming soon! Watch for it! And in the meantime, pop on over to the region and look about. Here’s the LM to Witchwood Hollow at Ce Soir Arts…and don’t forget to look UNDERGROUND TOO………..!

There are many reasons to celebrate this coming weekend, especially if you live in the US. It’s the long Labor Day Weekend, a federal holiday set aside to celebrate work and workers – and many will have Monday off to enjoy a last hurrah of summer. There will be family and neighbourhood gatherings for cookouts and the last of summer activities as the school year resumes and the weather begins its long, slow shift into autumn.

At Ce Soir Arts, we have our own reasons for having a party this weekend. Of course, we will be celebrating the onset of cooler weather, but as Æon often reminds us – it’s always a balmy 72° Fahrenheit at Ce Soir! Presently, it’s especially cool in the garden glades of the region, and our favourite spot – The Ruins – is going to be exceptionally busy on Sunday.

At 11 AM, the delightful DJ STORMY SOMERTON will bring her enchanting, edgy, and eclectic session to the SL airwaves. It will be a grand hour of dancing and chatting as we gather to enjoy her specially-chosen selections. You know it’s going to be fun, so you might as well hop on over to the Ruins at Ce Soir Arts for the Garden Party. Bring your smile, because you’re going to need it – and don’t forget your EARS! Stormy’s disc sessions are always more than a treat, and energy will be high, even as we relax in the soothing environment. We’ll see you HERE, and we will be happy to welcome you to Ce Soir Arts!

Up next at NOON SLT, our all-time fave – SKYE GALAXY – will take a seat at the piano to share his absolutely stunning music. Skye has returned to SL for a summer tour, and it’s been a fantastic journey for his fans and friends; his enjoyment of singing and playing for us has been a treat for everyone. His exquisite voice has a mystical quality, a richness that imbues its range with magic. From sweet whispery tones to full-on vibrato and falsetto, Skye has it all. At the first note on the piano, we are ready to follow wherever this musical artist will lead. It’s guaranteed to be a time you won’t soon forget. Come join us HERE – and do come early to grab a spot. This stellar performer will take your breath away!

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